Resident

Community Speed Watch (CSW) is a national initiative where active members of local communities join with the support of the Police to monitor speeds of vehicles using radar speed detection devices. Excessive and/or inappropriate speeding is extremely dangerous and is responsible for many unnecessary injuries and collisions. It is a criminal offence which affects the quality of life of many communities throughout Derbyshire. Speeding within the area is regularly mentioned to our team could this be a time to take action and get involved?

Vehicles that are found by CSW volunteers to be driving in excess of the speed limit are referred to the Police with the aim of educating drivers to reduce their speed. In cases where education is blatantly ignored and evidence of repeat or excessive offences are noted, enforcement and prosecution may follow.

Volunteers receive appropriate training and annual refreshers, and are supported by the Safer Neighbourhood Policing Teams (SNTs). The scheme aims to cater for the problem of real or perceived speed related offending. Through partnership with the community it is to be used in circumstances that are necessary, justifiable and proportionate to:

Reduce death and injury on the roads

Improve the quality of life for local communities

Improve driver behaviour through education

Expand public knowledge of the dangers of inappropriate speed

Speed Watch activity is not about interfering with neighbours’ behaviour; it is a proactive solution to improve road safety and the quality of life for everyone in the community..

Who can volunteer?

Anybody over the age of 18 can volunteer. Anybody over the age of 80 who wishes to volunteer must submit their details to the provider of Derbyshire Constabulary’s insurance for further consideration.

Volunteer Training is provided 

When attending CSW training, volunteers can expect to cover health and safety, CSW guidelines and how to use the radar devices. There will be an opportunity for a member of Derbyshire Constabulary to head out with the groups on their first site check for further demonstration of the radar device.

Equipment

A typical kit consists of high visibility jackets, road signs and a speed gun. Whilst existing groups may be able to share their equipment with those nearby it is strongly advised that new groups purchase their own kit. This avoids confusion and problems faced when arrangements to collect/drop off kit have to be changed or cancelled. Sources of potential funding include parish councils and local voluntary groups with a list of suppliers and approximate costs available at request.

How do I sign up?

The Community Speed Watch scheme is run out of each Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT). One of the main aims of Community Speed Watch is to involve the local members of the public in improving road safety and quality of life for residents. Dronfield SNT email jonathan.flower@derbyshire.police.uk or reply to this message 

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